Yes, I have raised about $150 to $200 by asking for donations, and asking brothers and sisters to donate money.

Heart diseases affect about 18 million people. What advice can you give people in terms of taking better care of their hearts and health?

I think that people need to learn to exercise, eat healthy food and take more care of themselves. These are the main things doctors push the most on people, and people should know that some heart conditions are brought on by a lack of exercise.

Have you had to change or add any exercise routines to your lifestyle after the surgery?

I have had to learn to slow down. I volunteer for two fire companies and cannot keep up with that. I have also had to give up racquetball for now because it wears and tears on my chest. After my last surgery, I cannot participate in any strenuous exercise. I do still go cross-country skiing.

What did you take away from the experience?

I cherish life and my family a lot more. People seem to take for granted things they have, but I appreciate little things such as the ability to go to work everyday and volunteering at the two fire departments. I also see my life as a blessing because I have come this far and still can do the things that I love.